Let's talk clothes

Andrewsgal · September 2014

Gap doesn't fit DD well and I just don't think it's that cute.

HBirdie · September 2014

diapersnwipes said:

diapersnwipes said:

I shop at The Gap and I'm cheap. Can I be cheap AND entitled?
I dislike gap for kid clothes. I'll go put myself on a post it.

I dislike paying $14 for a "clearance" onesie. haha
One time when DD was super little, I bought a $50 holiday dress from gap (on clearance!!!)FTM issues. Never again will I spend that kind of money for something she will wear once. I promptly donated it when she outgrew it. I hope someone else is enjoying my silliness.

Haha! I caught myself looking at a $9 customized birthday candle on Etsy the other night for Caleb's first birthday party. NINE DOLLARS. I realized I needed to close out of the window and go to bed, stat.

Andrewsgal · September 2014

auroraloo said:
What's up in here?

$200 a MONTH in clothes? I've never in my life spent that. I think as a kid I was lucky to get a new shirt at the start of the school year, so I have a hard time justifying paying that much for clothes my children are going to grow out of in a month.

Hell, the last clothes I bought myself new were clearance pants that I had a 20% off coupon for because I can't justify it for myself either.

And reading some of the entitlement apparent inability to understand the other side in this thread kind of makes me feel like if we met in real life, half of the people who claim to like me on this board would do absolutely nothing but sit back and judge me, my children, their Target shoes, and the car that I am driving into the ground because I am not willing to buy a newer one yet because we're not in a place to do so right now.

And I'm guessing that had the majority of posters in this thread known me as a child you would have been among those that snickered behind your hands as I passed by in my hand-me-down thrift store clothes that my mother scraped and scrimped to buy me before the beginning of the school year.

This whole post makes me sad. I'm not trying to nail all the bingo spots, but this thread struck a chord with me.

You take stuff on there boards way way too personally. FTR DD wore a target outfit for pictures today so I sure as hell wouldn't be judging. Of course I also drive my cars in the ground. But that doesn't work does it? Because in your mind you made everyone who says they don't thrift shop or spend $200 a month on clothes out to be rich entitled brats when in reality that's not the truth. I
love you rora but everything is not near as black and white as you are making it in this thread.

lexusolsen · September 2014

amy052006 said:
Nope, never uttered the word unacceptable. I said "decent kids shoes". And in no universe does that mean Payless. It's a growing kids foot -- honestly I would blfeel like an asshole if I could afford decent shoes for my kid but chose to buy cheap crap or a shoe formed to another kids foot just for fun.

Trust me, I am well aware that lots of kids can only afford shirty cheap shoes. None of that changes te fact that the shoes themselves are crap.

I guess what I don't understand is why you would skimp on stuff like that just to prove a point. There are plenty of other ways to save a buck.

It's just such a bad habit to break! It's so easy to buy dd shoes at target instead of going to the mall after work or on the weekend. I know I should do it, because I have fallen arches from wearing crappy shoes. I only recently stopped buying myself shoes there! Maybe we will try our luck at ff, which is right next to target. Lol

eaglesfan700 · September 2014

I love how I can be not able to check in for a few days, then come back and find this. It is comforting that some things remain the same

@Andrewsgal‌, agreed about GAP this year, their stuff sucks. I get a few hand me downs, but my neighbors weed through and only give the good stuff. The rest is new but on major sale. I only buy 2-3 pairs of shoes each season, a pair of good sneakers, a pair of good boots and a cheap pair of special occasion shoes because they will wear them maybe twice

eaglesfan700 · September 2014

Also, I spend way more on myself than I do them. I guess that's an UO

Andrewsgal · September 2014

auroraloo said:

Andrewsgal said:

You take stuff on there boards way way too personally. FTR DD wore a target outfit for pictures today so I sure as hell wouldn't be judging. Of course I also drive my cars in the ground. But that doesn't work does it? Because in your mind you made everyone who says they don't thrift shop or spend $200 a month on clothes out to be rich entitled brats when in reality that's not the truth. I love you rora but everything is not near as black and white as you are making it in this thread.

trimmed quote because I talk a lot.

Yes, in here I'm speaking in black and white, but in reality, it's less about the actual argument/discussion and more about the way things are said.

Quite honestly, the $200 comment was pure astonishment. Because fashion isn't important to me, I can't fathom spending that much on it for kids. But that's just a choice based on interest, not finances.

The tone of some comments, and I don't even remember who, are what I react to less so than the actual comments.

But, I have a hard time understanding how @kcisthedevelopmentaleverything justifies cheap, used shoes. I don't care, it just seems incongruous with her interests

This just made me laugh. She needs a disclaimer. I am KC expert and anal in all things growth and development except feet. Screw the kids feet.

Andrewsgal · September 2014

@eaglesfan700‌ you need to come around here more. @amy052006‌ off to check out the shirts.

Andrewsgal · September 2014

olivegoose said:

I have never heard anything about shoes for kids except for flexible soles for new walkers, so I'm off to research now. The more you know.

https://www.webmd.com/parenting/guide/buying-shoes-for-toddlers

Andrewsgal · September 2014

amy052006 said:

@Andrewsgal‌ the spun Henley and no I did not pay $19 for them.

I have a %40 off. Off to check them out.

eaglesfan700 · September 2014

amy052006 said:

I love how I can be not able to check in for a few days, then come back and find this. It is comforting that some things remain the same

@Andrewsgal‌, agreed about GAP this year, their stuff sucks. I get a few hand me downs, but my neighbors weed through and only give the good stuff. The rest is new but on major sale. I only buy 2-3 pairs of shoes each season, a pair of good sneakers, a pair of good boots and a cheap pair of special occasion shoes because they will wear them maybe twice
One gap exception -- they have these boys long sleeve tees with a button tab collar. Wash great and look adorable on my kid. Of course, it is hard to look at anything besides his Gucci loafers. Also, eagles buy good shit. Then she gives it to me. And it's not 7388494 crappy ass t-shirts -- it's a few nice pieces that look practically new.

That reminds me, I know I have some nice stuff from last year that doesn't fit DS anymore. I can't hand down regular play clothes, I throw them out because they are too worn to donate.

Thanks AG, it's been crazy here with school starting

thechickencoop · September 2014

Woah clusterfuck. I buy new AND used for DS, and I like the Gap for me, but am meh about their kids clothes. ::mind blown::

I don't HAVE to shop second hand, but I do because, why not? I like saving money and I don't go frequently but I will pop in Goodwill or a consignment store a few times a year. I tend to buy secondhand jeans/khakis and outerwear. Stuff that holds up pretty well

New shoes. Always. But...usually from Target.

I guess I have it easy though, I'm not really into buying DS a TON of clothes, I don't really like shopping for him! So we really just stick to the basics, not out of necessity, but just because it's almost a little boring for me to browse through the toddler boys and DS could really care less what he wears.

Oh, except pjs. I too have a problem. I love the Carter's 4 piece ones because, yea, some nights it's colder, some warmer, so.many.variables!!!!

jesselayne8 · September 2014

Andrewsgal said:

Oh and I don't consider cute clothes a waste of money so there is that.

My kids wearing cute clothes makes me happy. Obviously I shouldn't have put a number on it. I should have just said what @notkateanymore‌ did and say I spend way more than $100/yr.

vlagrl29 · September 2014

I went to kids gap today to get DD a nice outfit for her photo shoot next month. I did about have a heart attack when I heard the total. I even had a $10 coupon and 10% off with Gap Card. We spend about $300 ish per year on clothes/shoes/etc for DD. I use to buy a LOT more clothes for myself when I was younger. I think everyone has different priorities - clothes are low on my list honestly. I'd rather save to finish off our basement, save for retirement, and beef up our savings. So every dollar I save when shopping for clothes for all of us means we will have more money for those other things.

There are clothes that I would never buy for DD and that is at our local kids consignment store when they have "fill a bag" night - those clothes are way TOO worn for me to want to buy for her. I do want her to look cute

notkateanymore · September 2014

Andrewsgal said:

notkateanymore said:

You are such an asshole @amy052006‌

that was unnecessary.

FTR, I was totally kidding.

notkateanymore · September 2014

I think she was, but just in case people thought I was being serious...some people have some $1 underwear stuck up their ass around here these days.

vlagrl29 · September 2014

I am happy that people do buy brand name clothes from the store. There is an upscale consignment store I love shopping at for myself because they carry brands that I love but just can't justify spending that much money on - free people and lulu lemon. That shit is barely worn!

Aussie45 · September 2014

Andrewsgal said:

I am not anti garage sales but true story a lady in our neighborhood bought a couch with bed bugs from a FB BST site.

Dude, did no one ever see the Big Bang Theory when Penny picked up that red chair off the side of the road and it was infested. Every time I hear bed bugs, that's right where my mind goes.

bumpuser924057 · September 2014

Super late to the party here, but I don't count up how much I spend on clothes for me or the kids. I shop clearance sales like a crazy person, especially Target clearance, and if I'm going to spend more than $10 on any one item of kids clothing, it has to be something really special. Usually I try to stay under $5 per piece. I shop at the two children's resale shops in my area, but mainly because they give more money back for stuff I sell if I take store credit, so I'll turn in three bags of stuff, let them pick the handful of items they want, then generally buy something nicer than what I sold. Some of my favorite outfits for DD have been from the resale shop.

I don't buy used shoes unless I need something for a specific purpose (boots for DS's pirate costume, tiny baby shoes that go with a fancy dress, etc), but I don't personally like to spend more than $15-20 on a pair of shoes for little kids who don't have opinions. My twins are wearing the hell out of See Kai Run sandals that were purchased for about $14 a pair, and I'm thrilled, but my DS1 is in a pair of authentic Vans that I actually paid full price for because I needed to convince him that real shoes were better than Crocs, and taking him to the Vans store to get shoes "just like daddy" did the trick.

kcisthebombdotcom · September 2014

auroraloo said:

Andrewsgal said:

You take stuff on there boards way way too personally. FTR DD wore a target outfit for pictures today so I sure as hell wouldn't be judging. Of course I also drive my cars in the ground. But that doesn't work does it? Because in your mind you made everyone who says they don't thrift shop or spend $200 a month on clothes out to be rich entitled brats when in reality that's not the truth. I love you rora but everything is not near as black and white as you are making it in this thread.

trimmed quote because I talk a lot.

Yes, in here I'm speaking in black and white, but in reality, it's less about the actual argument/discussion and more about the way things are said.

Quite honestly, the $200 comment was pure astonishment. Because fashion isn't important to me, I can't fathom spending that much on it for kids. But that's just a choice based on interest, not finances.

The tone of some comments, and I don't even remember who, are what I react to less so than the actual comments.

But, I have a hard time understanding how @kcisthedevelopmentaleverything justifies cheap, used shoes. I don't care, it just seems incongruous with her interests

I don't buy used shoes for everyday wear. I mean I have for special occasions or boots the kids wear during our three snowstorms a year. I've bought stuff in consignment stores that had tags on it but that's the extent of it. In fact just the other day I was judging people for putting their kids in flip flops or sandals because of foot development. Keep up.

notkateanymore · September 2014

auroraloo said:

I think she was, but just in case people thought I was being serious...some people have some $1 underwear stuck up their ass around here these days.
That's the only way I can afford fifty pair.

Time for a new hamper?

kcisthebombdotcom · September 2014

amy052006 said:

Nope, never uttered the word unacceptable. I said "decent kids shoes". And in no universe does that mean Payless. It's a growing kids foot -- honestly I would feel like an asshole if I could afford decent shoes for my kid but chose to buy cheap crap or a shoe formed to another kids foot just for fun. Trust me, I am well aware that lots of kids can only afford shirty cheap shoes. None of that changes te fact that the shoes themselves are crap. I guess what I don't understand is why you would skimp on stuff like that just to prove a point. There are plenty of other ways to save a buck. Eta: obviously all of this hinges on being able to actually afford things.

Because it's a waste of money. When it comes to the point where my kids feet slow in growth where their shoes show sign of wear before they're outgrown in size I will have zero qualms buying pricier shoes. The only benefit of cheap shoes over expensive ones is longevity. All kids need is a well fitted shoe with a good sole. The price tag doesn't matter.

Andrewsgal · September 2014

kcisthebombdotcom said:

amy052006 said:

Nope, never uttered the word unacceptable. I said "decent kids shoes". And in no universe does that mean Payless. It's a growing kids foot -- honestly I would feel like an asshole if I could afford decent shoes for my kid but chose to buy cheap crap or a shoe formed to another kids foot just for fun.

Trust me, I am well aware that lots of kids can only afford shirty cheap shoes. None of that changes te fact that the shoes themselves are crap.

I guess what I don't understand is why you would skimp on stuff like that just to prove a point. There are plenty of other ways to save a buck.

Eta: obviously all of this hinges on being able to actually afford things.

Because it's a waste of money. When it comes to the point where my kids feet slow in growth where their shoes show sign of wear before they're outgrown in size I will have zero qualms buying pricier shoes. The only benefit of cheap shoes over expensive ones is longevity. All kids need is a well fitted shoe with a good sole. The price tag doesn't matter.

Oh come on surely you have to know the better quality and fit means a higher price tag. You can't convince anyone that Payless produce the same quality and fit as striderite.

dizzycooks · September 2014

I don't get the obsession with striderite. Maybe because I never had any I don't understand I guess. I found Keens on Amazon for $12 a pair last spring, you better believe I bought the next three sizes dd needs. I wish I had bought more. Are they specially fitted to her foot with width and all that considered? No, but they are a solid shoe that I would never pay full price for. As for buying her shoes that are used, I only buy used shoes (and clothes!) that are in good condition. We have all had our kids totally skip over a size or wear it for about a month total. Those clothes are like new. I have no problem taking them off your hands instead of buying brand new.

Andrewsgal · September 2014

I actually have only been to striderite for measurements. I was using it to make the comparison. I go our keens through zuiliy for $20 each. The Payless ones are like $12. The extra $8 is worth it to me for quality and fit.

notkateanymore · September 2014

Used shoes in good condition are still a bad idea. And gross.

Now, the hypocritical part of all this is that I sell DD's shoes.

Andrewsgal · September 2014

As usual @diapersnwipes‌ said it well. If you need to buy used no one is going to question that. But if you claim to be oh so financially secure but buy used shoes you get a big WTF.

jensriot · September 2014

Andrewsgal said:

As usual @diapersnwipes‌ said it well. If you need to buy used no one is going to question that. But if you claim to be oh so financially secure but buy used shoes you get a big WTF.

This. I don't think (I hope) anyone here is judging those that need to buy used shoes. It's doing it even though you don't have to and you know it isn't good for your kids feet that gets judged.

I don't buy used, but I don't spend $100 per pair either though. There is a middle ground people.

gremaud07 · September 2014

I spend about $100 on clothes not including shoes , coats, and/or special holiday items.

jnksmom · September 2014

I am way late to this but...now I want to go shopping for kids clothes and I will most likely spend more than $100. My kids are picky now that they are older.

kcisthebombdotcom · September 2014

diapersnwipes said:

amy052006 said:

Nope, never uttered the word unacceptable. I said "decent kids shoes". And in no universe does that mean Payless. It's a growing kids foot -- honestly I would feel like an asshole if I could afford decent shoes for my kid but chose to buy cheap crap or a shoe formed to another kids foot just for fun. Trust me, I am well aware that lots of kids can only afford shirty cheap shoes. None of that changes te fact that the shoes themselves are crap. I guess what I don't understand is why you would skimp on stuff like that just to prove a point. There are plenty of other ways to save a buck. Eta: obviously all of this hinges on being able to actually afford things.

Because it's a waste of money. When it comes to the point where my kids feet slow in growth where their shoes show sign of wear before they're outgrown in size I will have zero qualms buying pricier shoes. The only benefit of cheap shoes over expensive ones is longevity. All kids need is a well fitted shoe with a good sole. The price tag doesn't matter.
The very article YOU linked says it's not good to wear used shoes. I wouldn't claim my kid never wears flip flops or other cheap shoes but they aren't her primary shoes. It's not about the price, rather the quality and development. It's the same reason I won't let her wear uggs all winter long. Her developing foot needs support. That can't be found in a $5 pair of Sofia the first Disney shoes or $100 uggs. Price isn't the only indicator of a good shoes. Again, I look for shoes that are narrow for her super narrow for, arch support and shoes that look sturdy and will withstand her dragging her shoes under her cozy coupe car (her favorite pass time).

I never said my kids wear used shoes regularly FYI. Like your kid in flip flops, my kids solely wear used shoes as a dress pair they wear once for a holiday outfit or boots that are used for our three snowstorms a year. When I mean cheap I mean something like this which are well fitted and have ample arch support except cost me $10 vs $50. https://www.payless.com/boys-anchor-lightweight-runner/73291.html?dwvar_73291_color=grey_orange#start=16

bumpuser924057 · September 2014

Payless actually owned Stride Rite up until two years ago, and I had a pair of shoes from their SmartFit line that were great for DS1. I personally think Stride Rite is kind of overrated and their shoes haven't fit any of my kids very well. See Kai Run is my favorite brand overall, but no way in hell would I pay full price.

lyingliarlies · September 2014

Osh kosh bgosh has some great shoes for those wanting closed toe, flexible soled yet supportive shoes for toddlers/preschoolers. Kohls carries styles similar to the pediped flex that I used to buy. Obviously it's Kohls so the price fluctuates, but I get them for about $14-18 in season or around $5 on clearance.

DS wore the same pair for 2 summers (almost every day) and they have finally worn through on the bottom.

vlagrl29 · September 2014

thecheshirekat said:

Payless actually owned Stride Rite up until two years ago, and I had a pair of shoes from their SmartFit line that were great for DS1. I personally think Stride Rite is kind of overrated and their shoes haven't fit any of my kids very well. See Kai Run is my favorite brand overall, but no way in hell would I pay full price.

I love Payless's smart fit brands…..we had a pair of sandals that were smart fit this summer and they worked really well for DD. They didn't cause any pain like some do.

rosesandpetals · September 2014

Where do Converses fall on the shoe spectrum? They're name brand, does that make them good? I bought DD a pair because I think they're cute. Should I go get some fugly stride rite shoes? (They're not chucks, though.)

Oh, and, has the board seen that J Crew sells cashmere sweaters for toddlers? What says SAHM?

notkateanymore · September 2014

We have their cashmere for DD, I buy it on sale when CC is 30/40% off. Love it!

dizzycooks · September 2014

I don't have cashmere in my own wardrobe, no f-ing way I'm spending money to put it in Dds wardrobe. Besides, is probably shrink it in a hot second the first time I wash it.

kcisthebombdotcom · September 2014

cjcouple said:

On page 6,
Payless isn't even inexpensive anymore (cheap quality - yes)....lol
I get better deals at Kohls are name brand.

Maybe it's just my local store but I hate kohls and never get good deals on kids stuff. We have luck with Dhs work clothes as they carry a good big and tall section that they often put on clearance but I never seem to have any luck with the kids. My local store is so messy too that it totally turns me off. I do good at Payless. I got both the kids champion sneakers plus 12 pairs of socks each for $30 between bogo and a 20% off coupon.

vlagrl29 · September 2014

kcisthebombdotcom said:

cjcouple said:

On page 6,
Payless isn't even inexpensive anymore (cheap quality - yes)....lol
I get better deals at Kohls are name brand.

Maybe it's just my local store but I hate kohls and never get good deals on kids stuff. We have luck with Dhs work clothes as they carry a good big and tall section that they often put on clearance but I never seem to have any luck with the kids. My local store is so messy too that it totally turns me off. I do good at Payless. I got both the kids champion sneakers plus 12 pairs of socks each for $30 between bogo and a 20% off coupon.

our kohl's doesn't have much selection for toddler shoes so we get better at pay less.

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